An ideal framework for applying the practices of Positive Psychology is the workplace.

We spend much of our lives at work, making it one of the key factors in our overall well-being. Not being happy at work does not only affect your mood and psychology during working hours but it can also have a negative effect on other areas of your life.

And here it is important to clarify that Positive Psychology is a science. It counts many years of research and tried and tested methods and interventions in order to create a full, satisfying, meaningful life. We are not talking about pseudoscience, pop psychology, self-help tips from gurus of happiness and success. By no means do I want to convey that I recommend for the mother to be inactive. Forget the "7 golden rules", the "11 inviolable laws" and the "21 Tips" for success in the workplace.

The goal is a general change of mentality and the adoption of a work and corporate culture that has been proven to boost performance and success. Research in this field of psychology clearly shows that organizations and leaders who apply the principles of positive psychology have not only happier human resources but also a "happier" profit margin!

Usually the concept of happiness is bypassed in the business world. When we talk about business, our focus is primarily on performance, productivity and profits. Happiness, however, is the factor that can change the course of the game. Performance and success come effortlessly when we work with passion and commitment and we are inspired by the work we have undertaken, the goal we want to achieve. Therein lies the magic of positive psychology practices - they offer another, new way to reach the top, while at the same time finding interest and satisfaction along the way. The adoption of a culture of Positive Psychology by the body, leadership and human resources as a whole, elevates us from mediocrity to excellence through vision, authenticity, self-confidence, creativity and meaning in what we undertake.

Happier employees mean better performance. Studies by economists at the University of Warwick (2014) reveal that happiness leads to a 12% increase in productivity, while on the other hand, unhappy employees seem to perform 10% less. Happiness finally pays off!